This topic also came from a member and I think it's the perfect time for it. Let's share some easy and good "30 minutes meals" sort of...lol What dish do you make in a hurry to feed the family or just yourself? Something simple, maybe all in one pot like a soup or stew, not too many ingredients and everyone likes it.

Mine would have to be Goulash. Over time I've changed the original recipe until it no longer resembles it at all. But here goes....

Chutzie's One Skillet Goulash

In saucepan cook 2-3 cups of dried, wide noodles in boiling water. I use two or three double handfuls depending on how many I plan on feeding. If you need to stretch this one then add more noodles. You can use other types of pasta as you prefer. Cook about 7-8 minutes.

While that's cooking brown about a pound of lean ground beef, or whatever you have on hand. I usually add some onion and garlic but it's not necessary. When cooked through make sure to drain off any excess fat. Then dump in 1 can of corn, drained and about 2-3 cups of whatever brand of spaghetti sauce you like. I use about 1/3 of a jar of Prego, Costco size. When the noodles are done drain and add them to the skillet. Stir around and if it seems a bit dry add more spaghetti sauce. We like ours a bit saucy .

Simmer on very low heat to blend the flavors. I usually go for about 20-30 minutes but you can eat it right away if you like. Before serving I usually add some type of cheese on top....either cheddar or Parmesan and warm until it's melty. Some garlic bread is great with this as is fresh fruit or a green salad. Or if your family is like mine...they would just eat a pile of the goulash and a glass of cold milk. It does have your basic food groups all in one pan. And it gets better the next day if there's any leftovers.

OK, your turn. What's your fast and easy meal?Chutz"Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit, but Wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad."

For me, it is those chinese noodles in a package. I usually boil the water, and then peel a medium onion and chop it up, peel a carrot or two and chop them up, and then take what ever kind of meat I have in the frig, left over pork chop, piece of steak, hot dog what ever I have, slice of ham or canadian bacon, turkey, chicken, shrimp, maybe a little of each. Anyway after the water starts boiling, I crack an egg or two and pour it into the boiling water, and then put in my onions and carrots and meat, when the carrots start getting tender, I put in the chinese noodles, an let them cook for three minutes and then I add the seasoning pack, I also like adding a bit of chinese spicey stir fry sauce, and then I serve it up! You have a complete meal in a bowl! You can add any veggy that you want, and any type of meat. Let your imagination run wild, it is all good!

I don't cook very often anymore, but my kids like Chicken Pot Pie:In an iron skillet, place a premade rolled up pie crust, put the second one aside.In another bowel, add a large can of mixed vegetables, drained and a can of cream of whatever! Cream of Chicken or celery...stirl then add a can of chicken or you can get a package of precooked, presliced chicken on the cool isle with precooked, ready to eat foods.Stir the three products together and pour on top of the pie crust. Add the other pie crust on top of mixture, slice some holes in the top to let the extra heat out. Add a dash of Paparika for visual pleasure if you want. Put it in the oven at 350 for 15 minutes then up the oven to 425 until the pie crust is browned. (about 30 minutes all together)Easy as pie.Cat

Hey Chutz I do the goulash too but I don't precook my noodles/macaroni. I use tomato sauce, chili powder, salt and pepper and the pasta added to the browned meat along with water and stir occasionally until the pasta is done. Very Easy.

We also like dried beef gravy on toast or biscuits.

I use a little margarine/butter melt; a bit of chopped onion until translucent; dried beef cut in small chuncks; cooked until warmed through; add some flour for thickening and then add milk to make gravy. Stir until incorporated, smooth and thick. Serve over canned biscuits, or toast.

I do the same procedure sometimes with packaged tuna especially during Lent.

Cathy...sounds like we grew up with similar meals....I think it's called SOS in the military...lol I do the tuna or canned chicken over toast or biscuits too. It's great as a winter meal and the gang loves it like it was a meal fit for royalty.

There seems to be something wonderful and soothing about what we call 'peasant food'. Anything made out of what you have or inexpensive foods just seem to comfort like no other food can do. I'll take homemade perogies over prime rib any day. But those take way more than 30 minutes. One day we'll share those "long" recipes if everyone would like.

Chutz"Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit, but Wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad."